This all came about when someone at work found out I was in the Navy, and thanked me; and said something to the effect of "We need more hero's like you" etc.

uhhhh, ok?

I'm proud of what I did; proud to serve....but in no way would I ever consider myself a hero
Just odd to me that it's used with such regularity. I think it's something to do with the atmoshphere since 9/11